Page 123 of Chandelier Sin
“What do you think?”
“He bought you when you were underage.”
I pointed at him. “This is none of your business.”
“You made it my business.”
“I misspoke.”
“Don’t shut me out.”
Trying to shake off the agony, I failed, falling back into that pit of despair.
“Why did you come here?” he asked.
“You can’t work for him. Your life will never be the same.”
“Why?”
“Why work for an arms dealer?” I paused. “It goes against everything you stand for. Or was that a lie, too?”
“How does saving me help you?”
“You’re always looking for an angle, Atticus.”
“Come back to bed.”
“That’s code for ‘tell me Aemon’s weaknesses.’”
He pushed off the bed and stalked toward me. “You’re not the only one he’s harmed.”
I flinched. “What are you talking about?”
“At Pendulum.”
I studied him carefully. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Right.” He narrowed his gaze. “Did you meet him, and I use that term lightly, in this country?”
I paused at the end of the bed, heart racing.
“Did he buy you and bring you back to the U.S.? Answer me.”
My eyes widened at his insight. “He saved me.”
Atticus’ eyes looked sorrowful. He began to dress, too, pulling on his underwear and pants. Moving about the room matching the same energy I’d shown—a harried and hurried way of moving, as though full of regret over the last hour.
I headed for the door. “I need a drink of water.”
“I’ll get it.”
Taking in his stern expression, I watched as he covered his chiseled physique with his shirt, sensing this was the last time we’d share this level of intimacy.
We are impossible.
Atticus gestured for me to go on ahead down the stairwell. He descended closely behind me until we reached the lower level.
“I’ll wait in there.” I pointed to the living room.
